Xsens has launched an Automatic Reporting feature, which presents complex movement data in an accessible report using its online MotionCloud platform.

The Netherlands-based company has also introduced its new Awinda Starter system, featuring its motion-tracking technology, which is driving research at a number of leading universities and simplifying data with readable reports and graphs.

WHY IT MATTERS

Completing an analysis of human motion requires technical expertise in data scripting and reporting, often unavailable to specialists in physical health care due to time.

Xsens’ new MotionCloud takes care of the processing, with Automatic reporting designed to display the data in multiple formats tailored to each user’s respective industry.

Athletes and patients recovering from injury can place attachable motion sensors on their bodies that track and analyse the individual's biomechanics. Being wireless, the sensors can be used in any outside environment or clinic, and the new automatic reporting analyses and presents the data in reports, graphs, and digital animations using an avatar. 

The aim of the technology is to help physical health practitioners improve their own understanding of a client’s physical health with easy-to-read data that informs rehabilitation and care.

Xsens is starting out by releasing two bundles: The RULA Report bundle for ergonomics and Gait Analysis bundle for physiotherapists.

Both bundles are designed to provide the user with relevant data that is readable, bridging the gap between data and analysis. The company plans to expand these bundles with multiple relevant reports in the future.

Meanwhile, universities, sports clubs and research facilities have used Xsens’ motion capture technology and MVN software to conduct larger research. Pro-F Performance Center is already using the technology with clients including the professional football team, FC Twente. 

THE LARGER CONTEXT

In the UK, as part of the Social Care Digital Innovation Programme and the Social Care Digital Innovation Accelerators projects, 69 local authorities have developed robot-powered approaches to assist in adult social care.

The 'cobot' devices are worn around the waist and lower back to support carers in lifting, holding and moving people without assistance.  

 ON THE RECORD

Peter Hartman, product manager at Xsens, said: “This is more than a feature launch, we’re aiming to connect to an entirely new community of professionals and provide the most precise inertial motion capture technology on the market in a format that is both accessible and functional. The added depth motion capture brings to physical health care, sports and ergonomics is far beyond anything possible by observation alone – it will significantly expand the service offering of our users and improve the well-being and physical health of people everywhere.”

Ralph Speerstra from Pro-F Performance Center said: “Some of the world’s leading sports scientists and research facilities already use Xsens’ motion capture technology to track high-quality, full-body motion data, improving the performance of athletes and discovering new insights into human movement. Being able to use the very same technology in my own practice without the need for any technical knowledge or scientific facilities is incredible.

"My patients can comfortably perform movements while wearing Xsens Awinda sensors and I can provide high-level insight almost instantly. There’s also the added benefit of showing the patient the data report and digital avatar, elevating the level of communication and trust between us and further emphasising the efficacy of my business. The addition of automatic reporting has been transformative.”